U.S. patent application number 16/400325 was filed with the patent office on 2019-08-22 for fluoride phosphor, method of manufacturing the same, and light emitting device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Tae Hoon Kim, Woon Seok Kim, Jong Won Park, Chul Soo Yoon, Ji Ho You.
Application Number | 20190256768 16/400325 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57730592 |
Filed Date | 2019-08-22 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190256768 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Park; Jong Won ; et
al. |
August 22, 2019 |
FLUORIDE PHOSPHOR, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME, AND LIGHT
EMITTING DEVICE
Abstract
A fluoride phosphor includes fluoride particles represented by
A.sub.xMF.sub.y:Mn.sub.z.sup.4+ where A is at least one selected
from lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), and
cesium (Cs), M is at least one selected from silicon (Si), titanium
(Ti), zirconium (Zr), hafnium (Hf), germanium (Ge) and tin (Sn), a
compositional ratio x of A satisfies 2.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.3, and a
compositional ratio y of F satisfies 4.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.7; and an
organic material physically adsorbed onto surfaces of the fluoride
particles to allow the fluoride particles to have hydrophobicity.
The fluoride particles have a concentration of Mn.sup.4+ gradually
reduced from respective centers to respective surfaces of the
fluoride particles.
Inventors: |
Park; Jong Won; (Seoul,
KR) ; Kim; Woon Seok; (Suwon-si, KR) ; Kim;
Tae Hoon; (Suwon-si, KR) ; You; Ji Ho; (Seoul,
KR) ; Yoon; Chul Soo; (Suwon-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. |
Suwon-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
Samsung Electronics Co.,
Ltd.
Suwon-si
KR
|
Family ID: |
57730592 |
Appl. No.: |
16/400325 |
Filed: |
May 1, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15075311 |
Mar 21, 2016 |
10301541 |
|
|
16400325 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C09K 11/025 20130101;
H01L 2933/0041 20130101; C09K 11/617 20130101 |
International
Class: |
C09K 11/61 20060101
C09K011/61; C09K 11/02 20060101 C09K011/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 6, 2015 |
KR |
10-2015-0096123 |
Claims
1. A fluoride phosphor comprising: fluoride particles represented
by A.sub.xMF.sub.y:Mn.sub.z.sup.4+ where A is at least one selected
from lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), and
cesium (Cs), M is at least one selected from silicon (Si), titanium
(Ti), zirconium (Zr), hafnium (Hf), germanium (Ge) and tin (Sn), a
compositional ratio x of A satisfies 2.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.3, and a
compositional ratio y of F satisfies 4.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.7; and an
organic material physically adsorbed onto surfaces of the fluoride
particles to allow the fluoride particles to have hydrophobicity,
wherein a concentration of Mn.sup.4+ in the fluoride particles is
gradually reduced from respective centers to respective surfaces of
the fluoride particles.
2. The fluoride phosphor of claim 1, wherein an average
concentration reduction rate of Mn.sup.4+ from the centers to the
surfaces of the fluoride particles is within a range of about 0.4
at. %/.mu.m to about 0.8 at. %/.mu.m.
3. The fluoride phosphor of claim 2, wherein a concentration
reduction rate of Mn.sup.4+ from the centers to the surfaces of the
fluoride particles is within a range of about 0.1 at. %/.mu.m to
about 1.5 at. %/.mu.m according to regions of the fluoride
particles.
4. The fluoride phosphor of claim 1, wherein the centers of the
fluoride particles have about 3 at. % to about 5 at. % of Mn.sup.4+
concentration.
5. The fluoride phosphor of claim 1, wherein the surfaces of the
fluoride particles have equal to or less than about 1.5 at. % of
Mn.sup.4+ concentration.
6. The fluoride phosphor of claim 1, wherein the fluoride particles
have a concentration difference of about 2 at. % to about 4 at. %
between the centers and the surfaces of the fluoride particles.
7. The fluoride phosphor of claim 1, wherein Mn.sup.4+
concentration is continuously reduced without a constant
concentration region having a distance more than 1 .mu.m from the
center to the surface.
8. The fluoride phosphor of claim 1, wherein an average particle
size (D50) of the fluoride particles is within a range of about 5
.mu.m to about 25 .mu.m.
9. The fluoride phosphor of claim 1, wherein the organic material
includes a fatty acid.
10. The fluoride phosphor of claim 9, wherein the organic material
includes an oleic acid.
11. The fluoride phosphor of claim 1, wherein a thickness of the
organic material is equal to or less than about 5 nm.
12. The fluoride phosphor of claim 1, wherein an internal quantum
efficiency (IQE) of the fluoride phosphor more than about 0.9.
13. The fluoride phosphor of claim 1, wherein the fluoride particle
is K.sub.2SiF.sub.6:Mn.sub.z.sup.4+.
14. A fluoride phosphor comprising: fluoride particles represented
by A.sub.xMF.sub.y:Mn.sub.z.sup.4+ where A is at least one selected
from lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), and
cesium (Cs), M is at least one selected from silicon (Si), titanium
(Ti), zirconium (Zr), hafnium (Hf), germanium (Ge) and tin (Sn), a
compositional ratio x of A satisfies 2.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.3, and a
compositional ratio y of F satisfies 4.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.7; and an
organic material physically adsorbed onto surfaces of the fluoride
particles and including at least one functional group of a
carboxylic group and an amino group, wherein a concentration of
Mn.sup.4+ in the fluoride particles is gradually reduced from
respective centers to respective surfaces of the fluoride
particles.
15. The fluoride phosphor of claim 14, wherein the organic material
has a hydrophobic tail.
16. The fluoride phosphor of claim 14, wherein the organic material
includes a fatty acid.
17. The fluoride phosphor of claim 14, wherein the organic material
is provided to the fluoride particles such that a molar ratio of
the fluoride particles and the organic material is within a range
of 1:1 to 1:1.5.
18. The fluoride phosphor of claim 14, wherein an average particle
size (D50) of the fluoride particles is within a range of about 5
.mu.m to about 25 .mu.m.
19. A light emitting device comprising: a light emitting element;
and a wavelength conversion unit configured to absorb excitation
light emitted by the light emitting element to emit visible light,
wherein the wavelength conversion unit includes fluoride particles
represented by A.sub.xMF.sub.y:Mn.sub.z.sup.4+ where A is at least
one selected from lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K),
rubidium (Rb), and cesium (Cs), M is at least one selected from
silicon (Si), titanium (Ti), zirconium (Zr), hafnium (Hf),
germanium (Ge) and tin (Sn), a compositional ratio x of A satisfies
2.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.3, and a compositional ratio y of F satisfies
4.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.7, and an organic material physically adsorbed
onto surfaces of the fluoride particles to allow the fluoride
particles to have hydrophobicity, and wherein the fluoride
particles have a concentration of Mn.sup.4+ that is gradually
reduced from respective centers to respective surfaces of the
fluoride particles.
20. A light emitting device of claim 19, wherein the wavelength
conversion unit further includes a green phosphor configured to
absorb light emitted by the light emitting element to emit green
light.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
application Ser. No. 15/075,311, filed on Mar. 21, 2016, which
claims the priority and benefit of Korean Patent Application No.
10-2015-0096123, filed on Jul. 6, 2015, in the Korean Intellectual
Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Apparatuses and methods consistent with exemplary
embodiments relate to a fluoride phosphor, a method of
manufacturing the same, and a light emitting device.
[0003] Semiconductor light emitting devices emit light using the
principle of the recombination of electrons and holes when a
current is applied thereto. Semiconductor light emitting devices
have been widely used as light sources due to various inherent
positive characteristics thereof, such as low power consumption, a
high degree of brightness, miniaturizability, and the like. In
particular, after the development of nitride-based light emitting
devices, a utilization range thereof has been further increased and
used in backlight units, home lighting devices, vehicle lighting
devices, and the like.
[0004] Light emitting devices using semiconductor light emitting
devices as described above include light emitting elements
providing excitation light, and phosphors exciting light emitted by
the light emitting elements to have a converted wavelength, such
that desired color characteristics may be obtained. Thus, phosphors
providing excellent color reproduction while having reliability and
the like, as well as light emitting devices using such phosphors,
have been in demand.
SUMMARY
[0005] An aspect of the present inventive concept may provide a
fluoride phosphor having improved reliability and a method of
manufacturing the same.
[0006] An aspect of the present inventive concept may also provide
a light emitting device having improved reliability by
incorporating the fluoride phosphor described above.
[0007] According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a
fluoride phosphor may include fluoride particles represented by
A.sub.xMF.sub.y:Mn.sub.z.sup.4+ where A is at least one selected
from lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), and
cesium (Cs), M is at least one selected from silicon (Si), titanium
(Ti), zirconium (Zr), hafnium (Hf), germanium (Ge) and tin (Sn), a
compositional ratio x of A satisfies 2.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.3, and a
compositional ratio y of F satisfies 4.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.7; and an
organic material physically adsorbed onto surfaces of the fluoride
particles to allow the fluoride particles to have hydrophobicity.
The concentration of Mn.sup.4+ in the fluoride particles may be
gradually reduced from respective centers to respective surfaces of
the fluoride particles.
[0008] An average concentration reduction rate of Mn.sup.4+ from
the centers to the surfaces of the fluoride particles may be within
a range of about 0.4 at. %/.mu.m to about 0.8 at. %/.mu.m.
[0009] The fluoride particles may have a concentration of about 3
at. % to about 5 at. % of Mn.sup.4+ in centers thereof.
[0010] The fluoride particles may have a concentration difference
of about 2 at. % to about 4 at. % between the centers and the
surfaces of the fluoride particles.
[0011] An average particle size (D50) of the fluoride particles may
be within a range of about 5 .mu.m to about 25 .mu.m.
[0012] The organic material may comprise a fatty acid.
[0013] The organic material may comprise an oleic acid.
[0014] The fluoride particle may be
K.sub.2SiF.sub.6:Mn.sub.z.sup.4+.
[0015] According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a light
emitting device may include a light emitting element, and a
wavelength conversion unit absorbing excitation light emitted by
the light emitting element to emit visible light. The wavelength
conversion unit may include fluoride particles represented by
A.sub.xMF.sub.y:Mn.sub.z.sup.4+ where A is at least one selected
from lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), and
cesium (Cs), M is at least one selected from silicon (Si), titanium
(Ti), zirconium (Zr), hafnium (Hf), germanium (Ge) and tin (Sn), a
compositional ratio x of A satisfies 2.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.3, and a
compositional ratio y of F satisfies 4.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.7; and an
organic material physically adsorbed onto surfaces of the fluoride
particles to allow the fluoride particles to have hydrophobicity.
The fluoride particles may have a concentration of Mn.sup.4+ that
is gradually reduced from respective centers to respective surfaces
of the fluoride particles.
[0016] The wavelength conversion unit may further include a green
phosphor absorbing light emitted by the light emitting element to
emit green light.
[0017] According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a method
of manufacturing a fluoride phosphor represented by Formula 1 below
may include preparing a first solution including a first raw
material containing M and a manganese compound, forming
precipitates by sequentially providing a second solution including
a second raw material containing A and the first raw material to
the first solution, collecting the precipitates, preparing a third
solution by providing the first raw material and a hydrofluoric
acid solution to the precipitates, and forming fluoride particles
by providing the second solution to the third solution,
A.sub.xMF.sub.y:Mn.sub.z.sup.4+ [Formula 1]
[0018] where A is at least one selected from lithium (Li), sodium
(Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), and cesium (Cs), M is at least
one selected from silicon (Si), titanium (Ti), zirconium (Zr),
hafnium (Hf), germanium (Ge) and tin (Sn), a compositional ratio x
of A satisfies 2.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.3, and a compositional ratio y of
F satisfies 4.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.7.
[0019] The first raw material provided in the forming of the
precipitates may react with A.sup.+ and Mn.sup.4+ remaining after a
reaction between the first solution and the second solution.
[0020] In the forming of the fluoride particles, the second raw
material of the second solution may react with Mn.sup.4+ remaining
in the precipitates.
[0021] The precipitates may be collected to remove Mn.sup.4+
present in a solution including the precipitates.
[0022] The method of manufacturing a fluoride phosphor may further
include washing the fluoride particles, and providing the washed
fluoride particles to an organic solvent to allow an organic
material to be physically adsorbed onto surfaces of the fluoride
particles.
[0023] A molar ratio of the fluoride particles and the organic
material may be within a range of 1:1 to 1:1.5.
[0024] The organic material may comprise an oleic acid.
[0025] The method of manufacturing a fluoride phosphor may further
include drying the fluoride particles and performing a heat
treatment of the fluoride particles, after the fluoride particles
are washed.
[0026] In the forming of the precipitates and the fluoride
particles, the second solution may be respectively provided to the
first solution and the third solution a plurality of times.
[0027] The second solution may be provided a plurality of times to
sequentially form fluoride seeds, allow the fluoride seeds to grow,
and induce precipitation of the grown fluoride seeds.
[0028] A volume of the first raw material provided in forming the
precipitates may be within a range of about 15% to about 25% of a
volume of the first raw material contained in the first
solution.
[0029] A weight of the second raw material in the second solution
provided to the third solution may be within a range of about 40%
to about 60% of a weight of the second raw material in the second
solution provided to the first solution.
[0030] The manganese compound may contain a manganese compound
having a composition of A.sub.xMnF.sub.y.
[0031] The first raw material may include at least one of
H.sub.xMF.sub.y, A.sub.xMF.sub.y and MO.sub.2, and the second raw
material may include AHF.sub.2.
[0032] According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a method
of manufacturing a fluoride phosphor represented by Formula 1 below
may include preparing a first solution including a first raw
material containing M and a manganese compound, forming fluoride
particles by providing a second solution including a second raw
material containing A to the first solution, growing the fluoride
particles by providing the first raw material to a mixed solution
of the first solution and the second solution, collecting the
fluoride particles, preparing a third solution by providing the
first raw material and a hydrofluoric acid solution to the fluoride
particles, and growing the fluoride particles by providing the
second solution to the third solution,
[Formula 1]
A.sub.xMF.sub.y:Mn.sub.z.sup.4+ Formula 1
[0033] where A is at least one selected from lithium (Li), sodium
(Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), and cesium (Cs), M is at least
one selected from silicon (Si), titanium (Ti), zirconium (Zr),
hafnium (Hf), germanium (Ge) and tin (Sn), a compositional ratio x
of A satisfies 2.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.3, and a compositional ratio y of
F satisfies 4.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.7. The fluoride particles may have a
concentration of Mn.sup.4+ gradually reduced while being grown.
[0034] According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment a method
of manufacturing a fluoride phosphor is provided. The method
includes: preparing a first solution including a first raw material
comprising M and a manganese compound, combining the first solution
with a second solution comprising A and the first raw material,
collecting precipitates formed by the combining, preparing a third
solution by combining the first raw material and a hydrofluoric
acid solution with the precipitates, and forming fluoride particles
by combining the second solution with the third solution. The
fluoride phosphor is represented by the formula AxMFy:Mnz4+, where
A is at least one selected from lithium (Li), sodium (Na),
potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), and cesium (Cs), M is at least one
selected from silicon (Si), titanium (Ti), zirconium (Zr), hafnium
(Hf), germanium (Ge) and tin (Sn), a compositional ratio x of A
satisfies 2.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.3, and a compositional ratio y of F
satisfies 4.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.7.
[0035] The first raw material may be at least one of HxMFy, AxMFy
and MO2, and the second raw material may be AHF2.
[0036] The manganese compound may be a manganese compound having a
composition of AxMnFy.
[0037] The method may further include washing the fluoride
particles; and combining the washed fluoride particles with an
organic solvent so that organic material is physically adsorbed
onto surfaces of the fluoride particles.
[0038] The method may further include drying the fluoride
particles; and performing a heat treatment of the fluoride
particles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0039] The above and other aspects, features and other advantages
will be more clearly understood from the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0040] FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view schematically
illustrating a fluoride phosphor particle according to an exemplary
embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing
a fluoride phosphor according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0042] FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway perspective view schematically
illustrating a fluoride phosphor particle according to an exemplary
embodiment;
[0043] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing
a fluoride phosphor according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0044] FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating a Mn.sup.4+ concentration of
a fluoride phosphor according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0045] FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating reliability of a fluoride
phosphor according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0046] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a light
emitting device according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0047] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a light
emitting device according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0048] FIG. 9 is a CIE 1931 color space diagram for illustrating a
wavelength conversion material employable in an exemplary
embodiment;
[0049] FIGS. 10 and 11 are graphs illustrating reliability of white
light emitting devices to which a fluoride phosphor according to an
exemplary embodiment;
[0050] FIGS. 12 and 13 are schematic cross-sectional views of white
light source modules according to various aspects of exemplary
embodiments;
[0051] FIGS. 14 to 18 are schematic cross-sectional views of
backlight units according to various aspects of exemplary
embodiments;
[0052] FIG. 19 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a
display device according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0053] FIG. 20 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a
lighting device according to an exemplary embodiment; and
[0054] FIG. 21 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a
lighting device according to an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0055] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described in
detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0056] The disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different
forms and should not be construed as being limited to the exemplary
embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments
are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete,
and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled
in the art.
[0057] In the drawings, the shapes and dimensions of elements may
be exaggerated for clarity, and the same reference numerals will be
used throughout to designate the same or like elements.
Fluoride Phosphor and Method of Manufacturing the Same
[0058] FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view schematically
illustrating a fluoride phosphor particle according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 1, a fluoride phosphor particle 10
according to an exemplary embodiment may contain a fluoride
represented by A.sub.xMF.sub.y:Mn.sup.4+ that may satisfy the
following conditions.
[0060] 1) A is at least one selected from lithium (Li), sodium
(Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), and cesium (Cs);
[0061] 2) M is at least one selected from silicon (Si), titanium
(Ti), zirconium (Zr), hafnium (Hf), germanium (Ge) and tin
(Sn);
[0062] 3) A compositional ratio x of A satisfies
2.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.3; and
[0063] 4) A compositional ratio y of F satisfies
4.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.7.
[0064] The fluoride phosphor particle 10 represented by the
empirical formula A.sub.xMF.sub.y:Mn.sup.4+ may include
K.sub.2SiF.sub.6:Mn.sup.4+, K.sub.2TiF.sub.6:Mn.sup.4+,
K.sub.2SnF.sub.6:Mn.sup.4+, Na.sub.2TiF.sub.6:Mn.sup.4+,
Na.sub.2ZrF.sub.6:Mn.sup.4+, K.sub.3SiF.sub.7:Mn.sup.4+,
K.sub.3ZrF.sub.7:Mn.sup.4+ and K.sub.3SiF.sub.5:Mn.sup.4+. The
fluoride phosphor particle 10 may be excited by a wavelength of
light between an ultraviolet region to a blue region of the
electromagnetic spectrum to emit red light. For example, the
fluoride phosphor particle 10 may provide a red phosphor absorbing
excitation light having a peak wavelength in a range of 300 nm to
500 nm to emit light having a peak wavelength in a range of 620 nm
to 640 nm.
[0065] The fluoride phosphor particle 10 may have a Mn.sup.4+
activator concentration gradually reduced from a center 10C thereof
to a surface 10S thereof. In the present disclosure, the term
"gradually reducing" is used to indicate that a concentration is
continuously reduced without a portion of the fluoride phosphor
particle 10 in which the concentration is uniformly maintained at a
predetermined thickness or more. For example, the fluoride phosphor
particle 10 may not have a uniform concentration of Mn.sup.4+
within a region thereof exceeding 10% of a particle size D1 in a
direction from the center 10C of the fluoride phosphor particle 10
to the surface 10S of the fluoride phosphor particle 10. An average
reduction rate of Mn.sup.4+ concentration, for example, in an
overall thickness of the fluoride phosphor particle 10, may be
about 0.4 at. %/.mu.m to about 0.8 at. %/.mu.m. However, the
concentration reduction rate, with respect to an overall thickness
thereof, may not be uniform. For example, the reduction rate of
Mn.sup.4+ concentration from the center 10C of the fluoride
phosphor particle 10 to the surface 10S thereof may be within a
range of about 0.1 at. %/.mu.m to about 1.5 at. %/.mu.m according
to a region of the fluoride phosphor particle 10.
[0066] The Mn.sup.4+ concentration may be about 3 at. % to about 5
at. % in the center 10C of the fluoride phosphor particle 10, and
may be about 1.5 at. % or below on the surface 10S of the fluoride
phosphor particle 10. A difference in Mn.sup.4+ concentration
between the center 10C and the surface 10S of the fluoride phosphor
particle 10 may be within a range of about 2 at. % to about 4 at.
%.
[0067] The particle size D1 of the fluoride phosphor particle 10
may be within a range of 5 .mu.m to 25 .mu.m.
[0068] Since the fluoride phosphor particle 10 according to the
exemplary embodiment has a composition in which the Mn.sup.4+
concentration is reduced toward the surface 10S thereof,
vulnerability of the fluoride phosphor particle 10 to moisture may
be reduced and increased reliability may be secured.
[0069] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing
a fluoride phosphor according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0070] With reference to FIG. 2, a method of manufacturing a
fluoride phosphor may include providing a first raw material
containing M to a hydrofluoric acid solution (operation S110),
providing a manganese compound (operation S120), providing a
hydrofluoric acid solution including a second raw material
containing A (operation S130), providing a first raw material
containing M (operation S140), collecting formed precipitates
(operation S150), providing the first raw material containing M and
a hydrofluoric acid solution (operation S160), providing a
hydrofluoric acid solution including the second raw material
containing A (operation S170), and collecting and washing fluoride
particles (operation S180).
[0071] These operations may be performed at room temperature, but
are not limited thereto.
[0072] First, the first raw material containing M may be added to
the hydrofluoric acid solution in operation S110.
[0073] The first raw material may be at least one of
H.sub.xMF.sub.y, A.sub.xMF.sub.y and MO.sub.2, and for example, may
be H.sub.2SiF.sub.6 or K.sub.2SiF.sub.6. The first raw material may
be added to the hydrofluoric acid solution, and then stirred for
several minutes so as to appropriately dissolve therein.
[0074] Subsequently, the manganese compound may be added to above
solution in operation S120.
[0075] Thereby, a first solution containing the first raw material
containing M and the manganese compound may be produced.
[0076] The manganese compound may be a compound containing
Mn.sup.4+, and for example, may have a composition of
A.sub.xMnF.sub.y. For example, the manganese compound may be
K.sub.2MnF.sub.6. In a manner similar to that of operation S110,
the manganese compound may be provided to the hydrofluoric acid
solution in which the first raw material dissolved and may be
stirred to sufficiently dissolve therein.
[0077] Although an exemplary embodiment illustrates the case in
which the first raw material containing M and the manganese
compound are sequentially added to the hydrofluoric acid solution,
the first solution may be produced in different order therefrom.
For example, in another exemplary embodiment, after the manganese
compound is first provided to the hydrofluoric acid solution, the
first raw material containing M may be provided thereto.
[0078] Next, the hydrofluoric acid solution including the second
raw material containing A may be provided in operation S130.
[0079] In detail, a second solution including the second raw
material containing A may be provided to the first solution. The
second raw material may be AHF.sub.2, for example, KHF.sub.2, and
may be in a saturation solution state or powder form.
[0080] As the respective raw material concentrations approach a
solubility limit of the hydrofluoric acid solution, precipitates
having an orange color may be formed. The precipitates may be
Mn.sup.4+-activated fluoride (A.sub.xMF.sub.y:Mn.sup.4+). For
example, when H.sub.2SiF.sub.6 and KHF.sub.2 are used as the first
and second raw materials, and K.sub.2MnF.sub.6 is used as
Mn.sup.4+-containing compound, the precipitates may be fluoride
represented by K.sub.2SiF.sub.6:Mn.sup.4+.
[0081] In operation S130, A.sup.+ and Mn.sup.4+ not reacted may
remain with the precipitates in the solution.
[0082] In operation S130, an amount of the second raw material may
be divided and added at an interval corresponding to a time
required for reaction thereof, such that a particle size of
fluoride may be adjusted. An average particle size and a particle
size distribution may be controlled by adjusting an addition
number, an addition amount, an addition interval, and the like. For
example, when the second raw material is divided 4 times and
provided, fluoride seeds may be formed by a primarily-added second
raw material, and the seeds may be grown by a secondarily and
thirdly added second raw material, and precipitation of the grown
seeds may be induced by a fourthly added second raw material.
[0083] Subsequently, the first raw material containing M may be
added to above solution in operation S140.
[0084] The first raw material may be the same material as the
material used in operation S110, but is not limited thereto. The
first raw material may be at least one of H.sub.xMF.sub.y and
A.sub.xMF.sub.y, and for example, may be H.sub.2SiF.sub.6 or
K.sub.2SiF.sub.6. The first raw material may be added to the
solution, and then, may be stirred for several minutes so as to
appropriately dissolve therein.
[0085] In operation S140, the added first raw material may react
with A.sup.+ and Mn.sup.4+ remaining in the solution described
above to allow the precipitates to grow. Thus, in a region formed
at this stage, operation S140, a Mn.sup.4+ concentration may be
relatively low. For example, in a case in which
K.sub.2SiF.sub.6:Mn.sup.4+ is synthesized in operation S130, when a
H.sub.2SiF.sub.6 solution is additionally supplied in operation
S140, the H.sub.2SiF.sub.6 solution reacts with residual KHF.sub.2
and Mn.sup.4+ to create K.sub.2SiF.sub.6 and be grown in a shell
form on a surface of the fluoride formed in operation S130.
[0086] Although the exemplary embodiment illustrates the case in
which the second raw material remains after operation S130, the
first raw material may remain. In this case, the second raw
material containing A may be additionally provided other than
providing the first raw material, in operation S140.
[0087] An amount of the first raw material provided in operation
S140 may be smaller than that of the first raw material provided to
the first solution in operation S110, and for example, a volume
thereof may be within a range of 15% to 25%.
[0088] Subsequently, the formed precipitates may be collected in
operation S150.
[0089] The precipitates may be precipitates having started to
precipitate in operation S130, and Mn.sup.4+ remaining on a surface
of the precipitates may also be collected. On the other hand, the
second raw material such as A.sup.+ may be almost entirely consumed
in operation S140 and thus may not remain.
[0090] In operation S150, hydrofluoric acid may be removed, and the
precipitates may be collected, such that Mn.sup.4+ remaining in the
hydrofluoric acid solution may be removed together therewith. Thus,
since only a small amount of Mn.sup.4+ remaining on surface of the
precipitates may be used at the time of reaction of a subsequent
process, a Mn.sup.4+ concentration in a phosphor region grown
subsequently may be further decreased.
[0091] Next, the first raw material containing M and the
hydrofluoric acid solution may be added to the precipitates in
operation S160. Whereby, a third solution may be produced.
[0092] The first raw material may be the same material as the
material used in operations S110 and S140, but is not limited
thereto.
[0093] An amount of the first raw material provided in operation
S160 may be smaller than that of the first raw material provided to
the first solution in operation S110, and for example, a volume
thereof may be within a range of 15% to 25%.
[0094] Subsequently, the hydrofluoric acid solution including the
second raw material containing A may be provided to the third
solution in operation S170.
[0095] For example, the second solution, the hydrofluoric acid
solution including the second raw material containing A, may be
re-provided to the third solution. The second solution may contain
the same second raw material as that used in operation S130, but is
not limited thereto. In operation S170, an amount of the second raw
material may be divided and provided at an interval corresponding
to a time required for reaction thereof, such that a particle size
of a fluoride particle to be formed may be controlled.
[0096] The amount of the second raw material used in operation S170
may be smaller than that of the second raw material provided to the
first solution in operation S130, and for example, a weight thereof
may be within a range of 40% to 60%.
[0097] The second raw material may react with Mn.sup.4+ remaining
together with the precipitates and the first raw material within
the third solution and be formed in a shell form on the fluorides
precipitates such that fluoride particles are formed. In order to
be discernable from the precipitates formed in operation S150, a
final phosphor particle formed in operation S170 may be referred to
as a fluoride particle for convenience of explanation, but a
fluoride phosphor according to an exemplary embodiment may include
a fluoride material that is grown from the precipitates and is
finally formed in operation S170, but is not limited to a name
referred in respective operations.
[0098] Subsequently, fluoride particles may be collected and washed
in operation S180.
[0099] The washing process may be performed using a hydrofluoric
acid solution and/or an acetone solution as a washing solution. The
washing process may be performed by stirring the precipitates
using, for example, about 49% of high concentration hydrofluoric
acid aqueous solution, and thus, impurities present on the fluoride
particles and residual first and second raw materials and the like
may be removed. In an exemplary embodiment, the washing process may
also be performed a plurality of times using different washing
solutions.
[0100] Then, a fluoride phosphor according to an exemplary
embodiment may be obtained by drying washed fluoride particles.
Selectively, the fluoride particles may be dried, and then, a heat
treatment process at about 100.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C.
may further be performed.
[0101] The fluoride phosphor in which a content of manganese is
gradually reduced toward a surface thereof may be produced through
the processes as described above. In the exemplary embodiment, a
manganese compound containing Mn.sup.4+ may be provided once in
operation S120, and the number of inputs and an input amount of the
first and second raw materials may be adjusted, such that phosphor
particles may be grown in an environment in which a Mn.sup.4+
concentration is continuously reduced.
[0102] FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway perspective view schematically
illustrating a fluoride phosphor particle according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present inventive concept.
[0103] With reference to FIG. 3, a fluoride phosphor particle 50
according to an exemplary embodiment may include a fluoride
particle 10a represented by A.sub.xMF.sub.y:Mn.sup.4+ and organic
materials 20 adsorbed onto a surface of the fluoride particle
10a.
[0104] The fluoride particle 10a may be a core of the fluoride
phosphor particle 50 and may have the same configuration as the
fluoride phosphor particle 10 of the exemplary embodiment of FIG.
1. Thus, the fluoride particle 10a may have a composition in which
a concentration of Mn.sup.4+ is gradually reduced from a center
thereof to a surface thereof. For instance, the fluoride phosphor
particle 50 may have a structure in which organic materials 20 are
added to the fluoride phosphor particle 10 of the exemplary
embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0105] The organic materials 20 may be physically adsorbed onto a
surface of the fluoride particle 10a to protect the fluoride
particle 10a. The organic materials 20 may be materials having a
hydrophobic tail. Thus, a surface of the fluoride phosphor particle
50 may have hydrophobicity to have further increased moisture
resistance.
[0106] For example, the organic materials 20 may have at least one
functional group between a carboxylic group (--COOH) and an amino
group (--NH.sub.2), and may include an organic compound having
carbon numbers 4 to 18. In detail, the organic materials 20 may be
fatty acids, for example, an oleic acid having a composition of
C.sub.18H.sub.34O.sub.2. In this case, since a length of one
organic material 20 may be several nanometers or less, a thickness
D2 of a coating layer by the organic material 20 may also be within
a range of several nanometers to tens of nanometers. For example,
the thickness D2 may be 5 nm or less.
[0107] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing
a fluoride phosphor according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present inventive concept.
[0108] With reference to FIG. 4, the operations in operations S110
to S180 with reference to FIG. 2 will be performed in similar
manners in manufacturing fluoride particles.
[0109] Next, an organic solvent and an organic material may be
provided to the washed fluoride particles to coat the fluoride
particles with the organic material in operation S190.
[0110] As the organic solvent, a solvent allowing for a sufficient
dispersion of the organic material may be used. For example, the
organic solvent may be acetone. The organic material may be a
material physically adsorbable onto surfaces of the fluoride
particles. The organic material may have at least one functional
group between a carboxylic group (--COOH) and an amino group
(--NH.sub.2), and may include an organic compound with carbon
numbers 4 to 18. For example, the organic material may be oleic
acid.
[0111] An amount of the organic material may be selected from a
range lower than 1:2 in a molar ratio of fluoride particles and an
organic material, for example, a range of 1:1 to 1:1.5, which will
be described in further detail with reference to Table 1 below. In
a case in which the amount of the organic material is beyond the
range, flowability of phosphor particles may be reduced, and
high-temperature driving performance of a light emitting diode
(LED) using the phosphor particles may be degraded.
[0112] Subsequently, the fluoride phosphor particles that are
fluoride particles coated with the organic material may be washed
in operation S200.
[0113] In the washing process, residuals generated due to the
organic material used in an excessive amount may be removed using
an acetone solvent.
[0114] Then, the washed fluoride phosphor particles may be dried to
obtain a fluoride phosphor according to an exemplary embodiment.
After the fluoride phosphor particles are dried, a heat treatment
process about 100.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C. may further be
performed, selectively.
[0115] The coating of the organic material may be performed as a
portion of a synthesized process of the fluoride phosphor. The
coating may only be performed for a mixing time of several minutes
without using a separate additional device, thereby improving
process efficiency.
Fluoride Phosphor Characteristics
[0116] Table 1 illustrates a content of Mn.sup.4+ on a surface of a
fluoride phosphor, internal quantum efficiency (IQE), an average
particle size D50 indicating a median, and an absorption rate. The
Mn.sup.4+ concentration was analyzed through an energy dispersive
x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) using a scanning electron microscopy
(SEM).
[0117] A comparative example provides a fluoride phosphor in which
a Mn.sup.4+ concentration is not changed. An exemplary embodiment
provides the fluoride phosphor 10 with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2
and the fluoride particle 10a of the fluoride phosphor 50 with
reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0118] In the comparative example, the fluoride phosphor was
manufactured by adding 2.97 g of K.sub.2MnF.sub.6 to 360 mL of a
hydrofluoric acid, providing 30 m mol of 34% H.sub.2SiF.sub.6
thereto, and providing 180 mL of hydrofluoric acid in which
KHF.sub.2 is in a saturation state. In the exemplary embodiment,
the fluoride phosphor was manufactured in a method with reference
to FIG. 2. In detail, 63 mL of 34% H.sub.2SiF.sub.6 and 720 mL of
hydrofluoric acid were mixed in operation S110, 2.97 g of
K.sub.2MnF.sub.6 was added in operation S120, and then, 15 mL of
the second solution in which 75.9 g of KHF.sub.2 dissolved in 142
mL of 48% hydrofluoric acid was first added and 55 mL of the second
solution was added three more times at 5 minute intervals in
operation S130. Next, 12 mL of 34% H.sub.2SiF.sub.6 was added in
operation S140, 360 mL of hydrofluoric acid and 12 mL of 34%
H.sub.2SiF.sub.6 were provided in operation S160, and 30 mL of the
second solution in which 37.95 g of KHF.sub.2 dissolved in 71 mL of
48% hydrofluoric acid was provided at 5 minute intervals in
operation S170.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Mn.sup.4+ Concentration on Absorption
Surface IQE D50 Rate Comparative 2.0 at. % 0.823 15.4 .mu.m 0.70
Example Exemplary 1.0 at. % 0.901 15.1 .mu.m 0.68 embodiment
[0119] With reference to Table 1, in the case of the exemplary
embodiment, the Mn.sup.4+ concentration on a fluoride phosphor
surface is about 1.0 at. % that is about half of that in the
comparative example. The exemplary embodiment resulted in
relatively high IQE, for example, 0.9 or more of IQE. The D50 and
the absorption rates were similar in the comparative example and
the exemplary embodiment. As such, in the case of the exemplary
embodiment, since the Mn.sup.4+ concentration on the phosphor
surface is relatively low, moisture resistance characteristics may
be improved and the IQE may be improved.
[0120] FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating a Mn.sup.4+ concentration of
a fluoride phosphor according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0121] FIG. 5 illustrates a change in Mn.sup.4+ concentration
depending on a distance from a surface of phosphor to a center
thereof in the phosphors of the comparative example and the
exemplary embodiment. The Mn.sup.4+ concentration was analyzed
through EDS after cross-sectional cutting the phosphor particle
using a focused ion beam (FIB) device.
[0122] As illustrated in FIG. 5, in the case of the comparative
example, the Mn.sup.4+ concentration is little changed within a
range of about 1 at. % to about 2 at. % thereof. On the other hand,
in the case of the exemplary embodiment, the phosphor may have a
center at a point of 6 .mu.m or between 6 .mu.m and 7 .mu.m in a
distance from a surface. Here, Mn.sup.4+ had a high concentration
of about 4 at. % in a central region of the phosphor or a region
near the center, and had about 1 at. % of concentration in a region
near a surface. In the case of the exemplary embodiment, the
Mn.sup.4+ concentration was continuously reduced toward the surface
of the phosphor from the center, and a region in which the
Mn.sup.4+ concentration is uniform or constant was not formed in 1
.mu.m or more.
[0123] Table 2 illustrates IQE and D50 of fluoride phosphors
manufactured in different conditions according to exemplary
embodiments.
[0124] Embodiment 1 provides a fluoride phosphor as described above
with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, a fluoride phosphor
having a composition of K.sub.2SiF.sub.6:Mn.sup.4+ not coated with
an organic material.
[0125] Embodiments 2 to 4 provide fluoride phosphors which are
respectively coated with an organic material at different mole
ratios of a fluoride particle and an organic material. In exemplary
Embodiments 2 to 4, 30 g of K.sub.2S.sub.iF.sub.6:Mn.sup.4+
fluoride particles were coated with oleic acid. The coating was
performed by respectively providing 43 mL, 64 mL and 85 mL of oleic
acid to 500 mL of acetone solvent. Thus, the organic material was
provided in such a manner that molar ratios of the fluoride
particle and the organic material were 1:1, 1:1.5 and 1:2,
respectively. In exemplary embodiments 2 to 4, C--H coupling was
confirmed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR)
analysis. Here, it was confirmed that a relatively strong coating
was formed by signal intensity increased according to an increase
in a use amount of oleic acid.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Exemplary Exemplary Exemplary Exemplary
Embodiment 1 Embodiment 2 Embodiment 3 Embodiment 4 IQE 0.901 0.907
0.905 0.911 D50 15.10 .mu.m 15.05 .mu.m 15.20 .mu.m 15.12 .mu.m
[0126] With reference to FIG. 2, IQEs have high values of 0.9 or
more and D50s are about 15 .mu.m in the exemplary embodiments. It
can be appreciated that a significant difference between the
exemplary embodiments with respect to IQE and D50 is not present.
It means that since the organic material has a relatively short
length of several nanometers so as to be thinly coated, light
characteristics or particle size characteristics of the phosphor
are not changed.
[0127] However, although not separately illustrated, as a result of
performing a driving test on an LED package at a high temperature
in a manner similar to FIGS. 10 and 11, when an amount of organic
material was relatively great, high temperature driving
characteristics were degraded. It can be estimated therefrom that
the degradation of high temperature driving characteristics was
caused due to the organic material used in the exemplary
embodiments, for example, the oleic acid having relatively low
resistance to heat. Thus, the amount of organic material used for
absorption and coating may be selected from a range lower than 1:2
in a molar ratio of fluoride particles and an organic material, for
example, a range of 1:1 to 1:1.5 in a molar ratio of fluoride
particles and an organic material.
[0128] FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating reliability of a fluoride
phosphor according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0129] With reference to FIG. 6, a result of a preservation test of
a fluoride phosphor manufactured under high-temperature and
high-humidity conditions is provided. The fluoride phosphor was
preserved in a powder state at 85.degree. C. and at a level of
humidity of 85% for 3 hours.
[0130] As described above, the comparative example provides the
fluoride phosphor in which a Mn.sup.4+ concentration is not changed
in the inside thereof. Exemplary embodiment 1 provides the fluoride
phosphor as described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, having
a composition of K.sub.2SiF.sub.6:Mn.sup.4+ not coated with an
organic material. Exemplary embodiment 2 provides the fluoride
phosphor as described above with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, coated
with an organic material, an oleic acid.
[0131] As a result of performing a preservation test on the
comparative Example and the exemplary embodiments 1 and 2, IQE was
rapidly reduced depending on lapse of time in the comparative
example, finally reduced to about 70% of initial IQE. However, in
the case of the fluoride phosphors according to exemplary
embodiments 1 and 2, the reduction in IQE was relatively low. In
exemplary embodiment 1, the IQE was reduced by about 3%. In the
case of exemplary embodiment 2 in which the organic material was
coated, the IQE was only slightly reduced, and even after 3 hours,
was only reduced by about 0.3%.
[0132] This may be resulted from a relatively low content of
Mn.sup.4+ on a surface of the fluoride phosphor according to the
exemplary embodiments, as compared with that of the comparative
example. K.sub.2SiF.sub.6:Mn.sup.4+ may react with moisture as
illustrated in the following reaction formula 1.
20K.sub.2Si.sub.0.9Mn.sub.0.1F.sub.6+8H.sub.2O.fwdarw.18K.sub.2SiF.sub.6-
+2KMnO.sub.4+2KHF.sub.2+8HF+3H.sub.2 [Reaction Formula 1]
[0133] As illustrated in reaction formula 1, Mn of the fluoride
phosphor reacts with moisture to form an oxide, KMnO.sub.4, and
phosphor characteristics may be degraded. Thus, when the content of
Mn.sup.4+ is relatively low on a surface of the fluoride phosphor
according to the exemplary embodiments, the characteristic of a
fluoride phosphor having relatively low moisture resistance may be
improved. When an organic material is coated as illustrated in
Exemplary Embodiment 2, since the surface of the fluoride phosphor
has hydrophobicity, low resistance characteristics with respect to
moisture may be further improved.
Lighting Emitting Device Including Fluoride Phosphor
[0134] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a light
emitting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
inventive concept.
[0135] With reference to FIG. 7, a lighting device 100 may include
a substrate 101, a light emitting element 130 disposed on the
substrate 101, and a wavelength conversion unit 150. The light
emitting device 100 may include a pair of lead frames 111 and 112
electrically connected to the light emitting element 130, a body
portion 120 having a cup shape, and a conductive wire W connecting
the light emitting element 130 to the lead frames 111 and 112.
Thus, the light emitting device 100 may configure a light emitting
device package.
[0136] The substrate 101 may be molded using an opaque resin or a
resin having relatively high reflectivity, and may also be molded
using a polymer resin facilitating an injection molding process.
The substrate 101 may be formed of ceramic, and in this case, heat
emissions may be facilitated. According to an exemplary embodiment,
the substrate 101 may be a printed circuit board having a wiring
pattern formed thereon.
[0137] The pair of lead frames 111 and 112 may be disposed on the
substrate 101, and may be electrically connected to the light
emitting element 130 to apply driving power to the light emitting
element 130. The lead frames 111 and 112 may be electrically
connected to the light emitting element 130 through the conductive
wire W, and may be used as terminals for receiving an external
electrical signal. To this end, the lead frames 111 and 112 may be
formed of a metal having excellent conductivity. According to an
exemplary embodiment, the light emitting element 130 may directly
contact the lead frames 111 and 112 to be connected thereto, rather
than by the conductive wire W.
[0138] The body portion 120 may be disposed on the substrate 101
and the lead frames 111 and 112, and may form a cavity receiving
the light emitting element 130 therein. The body portion 120 may
have a cup shape to improve reflective efficiency of light, but is
not limited thereto. According to an exemplary embodiment, the body
portion 120 may also be integrated with the substrate 101 to
configure a package body.
[0139] The light emitting element 130 may be disposed on the
surface 101, and may be an electroluminescent element emitting
light when an electrical signal is applied thereto. The light
emitting device 100 may emit blue light. For example, the light
emitting element 130 may be a semiconductor light emitting element
including a semiconductor layer grown epitaxially. The light
emitting element 130 may be a nanoscale light emitting element
including a plurality of light emitting nanostructures.
[0140] The wavelength conversion unit 150 may be disposed in a
cavity formed by the body portion 120, and may include an
encapsulation layer 152, a fluoride phosphor 154 dispersed in the
encapsulation layer 152, and a green phosphor 156. The fluoride
phosphor 154 may be the fluoride phosphor according to the
exemplary embodiment described above. The wavelength conversion
unit 150 may emit visible light that is excited by excitation light
emitted by the light emitting element 130 to have a converted
wavelength. For example, the fluoride phosphor 154 and the green
phosphor 156 may be excited by blue light emitted by the light
emitting element 130 to respectively emit red light and green
light. The encapsulation layer 152 may be formed of a light
transmitting resin, and for example, may include epoxy, silicon,
modified silicon, a urethane resin, an oxetane resin, acryl,
polycarbonate, polyimide, or a combination thereof.
[0141] In the exemplary embodiment, since the fluoride phosphor 154
has a relatively low surface concentration of Mn.sup.4+, relatively
high moisture resistance may be exhibited. Device reliability may
be secured even in the case that a member protecting a wavelength
conversion unit, such as separate cover glass, is not present, and
a process may be simplified.
[0142] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a light
emitting device according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0143] With reference to FIG. 8, a light emitting device 100a may
include a substrate 101, first and second light emitting elements
132 and 134 disposed on the substrate 101, a protective layer 140,
and a wavelength conversion unit 150a. The light emitting device
100a may include a pair of lead frames 111 and 112 electrically
connected to the first and second light emitting elements 132 and
134, a body portion 120 having a cup shape, and a conductive wire W
connecting the first and second light emitting elements 132 and 134
to the lead frames 111 and 112.
[0144] In the light emitting device 100a according to the exemplary
embodiment, two light emitting elements, for example, the first and
second light emitting elements 132 and 134, may be mounted on the
substrate 101 in a manner different from the exemplary embodiment
of FIG. 7. The first and second light emitting elements 132 and 134
may emit light of different wavelengths. For example, the first
light emitting element 132 may emit green light, and the second
light emitting element 134 may emit blue light. Thus, the
wavelength conversion unit 150a may only include an encapsulation
layer 152 and a fluoride phosphor 154 according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0145] The protective layer 140 may be disposed on at least one
surface of the wavelength conversion unit 150a. In the exemplary
embodiment, although the protective layer 140 is disposed on a
lower surface of the wavelength conversion unit 150a, for example,
between the wavelength conversion unit 150a and the substrate 101,
the disposition of the protective layer 140 may be variously
changed according to exemplary embodiments. For example, the
protective layer 140 may be disposed on both of an upper surface
and a lower surface of the wavelength conversion unit 150a, or may
be disposed to encompass the entirety of the wavelength conversion
unit 150a.
[0146] The protective unit 140 may protect the fluoride phosphor
154 from an external environment, for example, moisture, and may
secure reliability of the light emitting device 100a. The
protective layer 140 may be formed of a moisture resistive material
capable of preventing the permeation of moisture. A thickness of
the protective layer 140 is not limited to the illustration of the
drawing. In the light emitting device 100a according to the
exemplary embodiment, the fluoride phosphor 154 may have a
relatively low content of manganese, thereby reducing low moisture
resistance. As the protective layer 140 is employed, the
reliability of the light emitting device may be further increased.
However, the protective layer 140 may be omitted according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept.
[0147] The protective layer 140 may be formed of a resin material
such as epoxy, silicon, modified silicon, a urethane resin, an
oxetane resin, acryl, polycarbonate, polyimide, and the like. In
this case, reflectivity of the protective layer 140 may be
different from that of the encapsulation layer 152 to improve light
extraction efficiency. Alternatively, the protective layer 140 may
be a coating layer formed of a fluoride-based or silica-based
coating agent.
[0148] FIG. 9 is a CIE 1931 color space diagram for illustrating a
wavelength conversion material employable in a light emitting
device according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0149] For example, when the light emitting element 130 or 134 of
FIGS. 7 and 8 emits blue light, the light emitting device 100 or
100a including at least one of yellow, green, red phosphors may
emit white light of various color temperatures by adjusting a
phosphor mixing ratio. For example, a color temperature and color
rendering index (CRI) of white light may be controlled by
additionally combining a green and/or a red phosphor with a yellow
phosphor.
[0150] White light obtained by combining yellow, green, red
phosphors and/or green and red light emitting elements with a blue
light emitting element may have two or more peak wavelengths, and
coordinates (x,y) of the CIE 1931 chromaticity coordinates system
may be located on line segments (0.4476, 0.4074), (0.3484, 0.3516),
(0.3101, 0.3162), (0.3128, 0.3292), and (0.3333, 0.3333) connected
to one another as illustrated in FIG. 9. Alternatively, the
coordinates (x,y) may be located in a region surrounded by the line
segments and black body radiation spectrum. A color temperature of
the white light may be within a range of 1500K to 20000K.
[0151] In FIG. 9, white light in the vicinity of a point E (0.3333,
0.3333) below the black body radiation spectrum may be in a state
in which light of a yellow-based component becomes relatively weak.
This white light may be used as an illumination light source of a
region in which a relatively bright or refreshing mood may be
provided to the naked eye. Thus, a lighting device product using
white light in the vicinity of the point E (0.3333, 0.3333) below
the black body radiation spectrum may be effective for use in
retail spaces in which groceries, clothing, or the like are for
sale.
[0152] As a phosphor used for the light emitting device described
above, a phosphor as described below may be used. In the case of a
red phosphor, a fluoride phosphor according to exemplary
embodiments may be used. For example, the fluoride phosphor 154 may
include a fluoride phosphor represented by
A.sub.xMF.sub.y:Mn.sup.4+, and for example, may be
K.sub.2SiF.sub.6:Mn.sup.4+, K.sub.2TiF.sub.6:Mn.sup.4+,
NaYF.sub.4:Mn.sup.4+, or NaGdF.sub.4:Mn.sup.4+. The wavelength
conversion unit 150 or 150a may further include other phosphors
illustrated below by way of example.
[0153] Oxide-based Phosphors: Yellow and green
Y.sub.3Al.sub.5O.sub.12:Ce, Tb.sub.3Al.sub.5O.sub.12:Ce,
Lu.sub.3Al.sub.5O.sub.12:Ce
[0154] Silicate-based Phosphors: Yellow and green
(Ba,Sr).sub.2SiO.sub.4:Eu, Yellow and yellowish-orange
(Ba,Sr).sub.3SiO.sub.5:Ce
[0155] Nitride-based Phosphors: Green .beta.-SiAlON:Eu, Yellow
La.sub.3Si.sub.6N.sub.11:Ce, Orange .alpha.-SiAlON:Eu
Characteristics of Light Emitting Device Including Fluoride
Phosphor
[0156] FIGS. 10 and 11 are graphs illustrating reliability of a
white light emitting device to which a fluoride phosphor according
to an exemplary embodiment.
[0157] A white light emitting device used in the evaluation
includes a light emitting element emitting blue light having about
446 nm to about 450 nm of peak wavelength, a .beta.-sialon phosphor
emitting green light having a peak wavelength of about 540 nm, and
a fluoride phosphor emitting red light. The comparative example and
exemplary embodiments 1 and 2 correspond to the white light
emitting devices including a fluoride phosphor of the comparative
example and exemplary embodiments 1 and 2 described with reference
to FIG. 6, respectively.
[0158] With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, operational
characteristics of a white light emitting device including a change
in brightness and a movement degree .DELTA.Cx of color coordinates
depending on lapse of time are illustrated. Evaluation of
reliability was carried out at 85.degree. C. and 85% of humidity in
6 V and 150 mA of operational conditions.
[0159] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the change in brightness was
lowered to 88.6% after 500 hours had elapsed, based on an initial
100%, in the comparative example. In the case of exemplary
embodiment 1, the change in brightness was lowered to 94.1%, for
example, lowered by about 5.9%, with relatively high reliability.
In the case of exemplary embodiment 2, the change in brightness was
lowered to 96.1%, for example, lowered about 3.9%, with excellent
characteristics.
[0160] As illustrated in FIG. 11, a change in color coordinates
.DELTA.Cx after a lapse of 500 hours was -0.0149 in the comparative
example. In exemplary embodiments 1 and 2, change ranges thereof
were relatively low, -0.0077 and -0.0064, respectively. Exemplary
embodiment 2 in which an organic material is coated exhibited the
most excellent characteristics.
Light Source Module, Backlight Unit, Display Device, and Lighting
Device Including Fluoride Phosphor
[0161] FIGS. 12 and 13 are schematic cross-sectional views of white
light source modules according to exemplary embodiments.
[0162] With reference to FIG. 12, a light source module 500 for
liquid crystal display (LCD) backlight may include a circuit board
510, and a plurality of white light emitting devices 100b arranged
on the circuit board 510. A conductive pattern connected to the
white light emitting devices 100b may be formed on the circuit
board 510.
[0163] Each white light emitting device 100b may have a structure
in which a light emitting element 130 emitting blue light is
directly mounted on the circuit board 510 in a chip on board (COB)
scheme unlike the case of the light emitting device described above
with reference to FIG. 7. The respective white light emitting
devices 100b may not have a separate reflective wall, and the
wavelength conversion unit 150b may have a semispherical shape
having a lens function to exhibit a wide-beam angle. Such a
wide-beam angle may contribute to a reduction in a thickness or a
width of an LCD display.
[0164] With reference to FIG. 13, a light source module 600 for an
LCD backlight may include a circuit board 610 and a plurality of
white light emitting devices 100c arranged on the circuit board
610. Each white light emitting device 100c may include a light
emitting element 130 emitting blue light and mounted in the
reflective cup of a package body 125, and a wavelength conversion
unit 150c encapsulating the light emitting element 130. The
wavelength conversion unit 150c may include a fluoride phosphor 154
emitting red light and a green phosphor 156 distributed therein,
and may further include a yellow or yellowish-orange phosphor.
[0165] FIGS. 14 to 18 are schematic cross-sectional views of
backlight units according to exemplary embodiments.
[0166] With reference to FIG. 14, a backlight unit 1000 may include
a circuit board 1002, light sources 1001 mounted on the circuit
board 1002, and one or more optical sheets 1003 disposed above the
light sources 1001.
[0167] The light sources 1001 may be white light emitting devices
containing a coated fluoride phosphor according to an exemplary
embodiment, and a module in which the light sources 1001 are
mounted on the circuit board 1002 may be a light source module with
reference to FIG. 12 or 13.
[0168] The circuit board 1002 employed in the exemplary embodiment
may include a first flat portion 1002a corresponding to a main
region thereof, and an inclined portion 1002b adjacent thereto,
formed in a manner in which at least a portion thereof is bent, and
a second flat portion 1002c provided as an outer side of the
inclined portion 1002b and disposed in an edge portion of the
circuit board 1002.
[0169] On the first flat portion 1002a, the light sources may be
arranged to have a second interval d2 therebetween, and on the
inclined portion 1002b, one or more light sources 1001 may be
arranged to have a first interval d1 therebetween. The first
interval d1 may be equal to the second interval d2. A width, in
detail, a length thereof in a cross section, of the inclined
portion 1002b, may be less than a width of the first flat portion
1002a and may be greater than that of the second flat portion
1002c. In addition, at least one light source may also be disposed
on the second flat portion 102c as needed. An inclination of the
inclined portion 1002b may be appropriately adjusted in a range
greater than 0 degree and less than 90 degrees, based on the first
flat portion 1002a.
[0170] As the circuit board 1002 has such a structure, brightness
may also be uniformly maintained in the vicinity of an edge of the
optical sheet 1003.
[0171] With reference to FIG. 15, in the case of a backlight unit
1200 according to an exemplary embodiment, a light source 1201
mounted on a substrate 1202 emits light in a lateral direction such
that the emitted light may be incident onto a light guiding panel
1203 to be converted into a form of surface light source type
light. Light passing through the light guiding panel 1203 may be
discharged in an upward direction, and a reflective layer 1204 may
be disposed below the light guiding panel 1203 to improve light
extraction efficiency.
[0172] In the case of backlight units 1500, 1600, and 1700 with
reference to FIGS. 16 to 18, the wavelength conversion unit 150
(see FIG. 7) may not be disposed in a light emitting device 1505,
1605, or 1705. For example, the wavelength conversion unit 150 may
be disposed outside the light emitting device 1505, 1605, or 1705
so as to be located within the backlight unit 1500, 1600 or 1700 to
convert light.
[0173] With reference to FIG. 16, the backlight unit 1500 may be a
direct-type backlight unit and may include a wavelength conversion
unit 1550, light source modules 1510 arranged below the wavelength
conversion unit 1550, and a bottom case 1560 receiving the light
source module 1510. In addition, the light source module 1510 may
include a printed circuit board 1501, and a plurality of light
emitting devices 1505 mounted on the printed circuit board 1501.
Examples of the light emitting device 1505 may include a light
emitting device having a form in which the wavelength conversion
unit 150 or 150a is omitted from one of the light emitting devices
100 and 100a of FIGS. 7 and 8.
[0174] In the backlight unit 1500 according to the exemplary
embodiment, a wavelength conversion unit 1550 may be disposed on
the bottom case 1560. The wavelength conversion unit 1550 may
include a fluoride phosphor in a manner similar to the wavelength
conversion unit 150 of FIG. 7. Thus, a wavelength of at least a
portion of light emitted by the light source module 1510 may be
converted by the wavelength conversion unit 1550. The wavelength
conversion unit 1550 may be manufactured as a separate film and
used, or may be provided in a form integrated with a light
diffusion plate not illustrated.
[0175] With reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, a backlight unit 1600 or
1700 may be provided as an edge-type backlight unit, and may
include a wavelength conversion unit 1650 or 1750, a light guiding
plate 1640 or 1740, a reflective unit 1620 or 1720 disposed on a
side of the light guiding plate 1640 or 1740, and a light source
1605 or 1705.
[0176] Light emitted by the light source 1605 or 1705 may be guided
to an inner portion of the light guiding plate 1640 or 1740 by the
reflective unit 1620 or 1720. In the backlight unit 1600 of FIG.
17, the wavelength conversion unit 1650 may be disposed between the
light guiding plate 1640 and the light source 1605. In the
backlight unit 1700 of FIG. 18, the wavelength conversion unit 1750
may be disposed on a light emission surface of the light guiding
plate 1740.
[0177] The light source 1605 or 1705 may include a light emitting
device having a form in which the wavelength conversion unit 150 or
150a is omitted from one of the light emitting devices 100 and 100a
of FIGS. 7 and 8.
[0178] FIG. 19 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a
display device according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0179] With reference to FIG. 19, a display device 2000 may include
a backlight unit 2200, an optical sheet 2300, and an image display
panel 2400 such as a liquid crystal panel.
[0180] A backlight unit 2200 may include a bottom case 2210, a
reflective plate 2220, a light guiding plate 2240, and a light
source module 2230 provided on at least one side of the light
guiding plate 2240. The light source module 2230 may include a
printed circuit board 2001 and light emitting devices 2005. The
light emitting device 2005 may include one of the light emitting
devices 100 and 100a of FIGS. 7 and 8. In detail, the light
emitting device 2005 may be a side view type light emitting device
with a side surface mounted to be adjacent to the light emission
surface. In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment, the
backlight unit 2200 may be replaced by any one of the backlight
units 1000, 1200, 1500, 1600, and 1700 of FIGS. 14 to 18.
[0181] The optical sheets 2300 may be disposed between the light
guiding plate 2240 and the image display panel 2400, and may
include several types of sheet such as a diffusion sheet, a prism
sheet, or a protective sheet.
[0182] The image display panel 2400 may display an image using
light emitted through the optical sheets. The image display panel
2400 may include an array substrate 2420, a liquid crystal layer
2430, and a color filter substrate 2440. The array substrate 2420
may include pixel electrodes disposed in a matrix form, thin film
transistors applying a driving voltage to the pixel electrodes, and
signal lines allowing for operation of the thin film transistors.
The color filter substrate 2440 may include a transparent
substrate, a color filter, and a common electrode. The color filter
may include filters allowing a specific wavelength of light to pass
therethrough among white light emitted by the backlight unit 2200.
The liquid crystal layer 2430 may be re-arranged by an electric
field formed between the pixel electrodes and a common electrode to
adjust light a transmitting rate. Light of which a light
transmitting rate has been adjusted may pass through the color
filter to thereby display an image. The image display panel 2400
may further include a driving circuit unit processing an image
signal and the like.
[0183] With a display device 2000 according to the exemplary
embodiment, since a light emitting device 2005 emitting red light,
green light and blue light having a relatively narrow full width at
half maximum is used, emitted light passes through the color filter
substrate 2440 and then may implement blue, green and red color
having relatively high color purity.
[0184] FIG. 20 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a
lighting device according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0185] With reference to FIG. 20, a lighting device 3000 is
illustrated as a bulb type lamp by way of example, and may include
a light source module 3003, a driving unit 3008, and an external
connection unit 3010. The lighting device 3000 may further include
an external structure such as an external housing 3006, an internal
housing 3009, and a cover unit 3007. The light source module 3003
may include a semiconductor light emitting device 3001 having a
structure the same as or similar structure as the light emitting
device 100 or 100a of FIG. 7 or FIG. 8, and a circuit board 3002
having the semiconductor light emitting device 3001 mounted
thereon. Although the exemplary embodiment illustrates the case in
which a single semiconductor light emitting device 3001 is mounted
on the circuit board 3002, a plurality of semiconductor light
emitting devices 3001 may be installed thereon. In addition, the
semiconductor light emitting device 3001 may be first manufactured
in a package form and then mounted in a manner other than being
directly mounted on the circuit board 3002.
[0186] The external housing 3006 may serve as a heat emission part,
and may include a heat emission plate 3004 directly contacting the
light source module 3003 to improve a heat radiant effect, and heat
radiating fins 3005 surrounding a side surface of the lighting
device 3000. The cover unit 3007 may be mounted on the light source
module 3003 and have a convex lens shape. The driving unit 3008 may
be installed in the internal housing 3009 to be connected to the
external connection unit 3010 having a socket structure so as to
receive power from an external power supply unit. In addition, the
driving unit 3008 may serve to convert power into a current source
appropriate for driving the light source 3001 of the light source
module 3003 and provide the converted current. For example, the
driving unit 3008 may be configured of an alternating
current-direct current (AC-DC) converter, a rectifying circuit
component, and the like.
[0187] Although not illustrated in the drawing, the lighting device
3000 may further include a communications module.
[0188] FIG. 21 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a
lighting device according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0189] With reference to FIG. 21, a lighting device 4000 according
to an exemplary embodiment may include a light source module 4203,
a body portion, and a driving unit 4209, and may further include a
cover unit 4207 covering the light source module 4203. The lighting
device 4000 may be a bar-type lamp and may have a shape similar to
a fluorescent lamp and may emit light having light characteristics
similar to that of a fluorescent lamp, but is not limited
thereto.
[0190] The light source module 4203 may include a mounting
substrate 4202 and a plurality of light emitting elements 4201. The
plurality of light emitting elements 4201 may have the same
structure as or a structure similar to that of the light emitting
device 100 or 100a of FIGS. 7 and 8. Alternatively, the light
source module 4203 may employ the light source module 500 or 600
for LCD backlight of FIG. 12 or 13.
[0191] The light emitting element 4201 may be bonded to a mounting
substrate 4202 through a medium of an adhesive member, and the
adhesive member may have a scattering pattern.
[0192] The body portion 4304 may be provided with the light source
module 4203 mounted thereon to be fixed to one surface thereof. The
body portion 4304 may serve as a support structure and may include
a heat sink. The body portion 4304 may be formed of a material
having excellent heat conductivity to be capable of emitting heat
generated from the light source module 4203 externally, for
example, formed of a metal, but is not limited thereto. The body
portion 4304 may have a lengthwise long rod shape corresponding to
a shape of the mounting substrate 4202 of the light source module
4203. One surface of the body portion 4304 on which the light
source module 4203 is mounted may include a recess portion 4214 in
which the light source module 4203 is received. At least one
external surface of the body portion 4304 may be provided with a
plurality of heat radiating fins 4224 for heat radiation protruding
therefrom. A stop groove 4234 may be formed on an external surface
of the body portion 4304 to extend in a length direction of the
body portion 4304 on two sides of the recess portion 4214. The stop
groove 4234 may be coupled to the cover unit 4207. At least one end
of the body portion 4304 in a length direction thereof may be open.
The body portion 4304 may have a pipe shaped structure of which one
end is open.
[0193] The driving unit 4209 may be provided with the end portion
of the body portion 4304 being open in the length direction thereof
to supply driving power to the light source module 4203. The
driving unit 4209 may include electrode pins 4219 protruding
externally.
[0194] The cover unit 4207 may be coupled to the body portion 4304
to cover the light source module 4203. The cover unit 4207 may be
formed of a material through which light may be transmitted. The
cover unit 4207 may have a curved, semicircular surface such that
light may be irradiated uniformly, externally. A protrusion 4217
may be formed on a lower surface of the cover unit 4207 coupled to
the body portion 4304, to be engaged with the stop groove 4234 of
the body portion 4304 in a length direction of the cover unit
4207.
[0195] The exemplary embodiment illustrates the case in which the
cover unit 4207 has a semicircular structure, but a shape of the
cover unit 4207 is not limited thereto, and may be various changed
according to an illumination design in connection with irradiation
of light. For example, the cover unit 4207 may have a flat
quadrangular shape or a polygonal structure.
[0196] As set forth above, according to exemplary embodiments,
since a compositional ratio of an activator is gradually reduced
from a center to a surface of a phosphor, a fluoride phosphor and a
light emitting device may have improved reliability, and a method
of manufacturing the same may be provided.
[0197] While exemplary embodiments have been shown and described
above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
modifications and variations could be made without departing from
the scope of the inventive concept as defined by the appended
claims.
* * * * *